Experienced Workington Town star Ollie Wilkes says everyone is raring to go on Sunday against Whitehaven in the opening pre-season friendly.

The two sides will clash at Derwent Park with the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy up for grabs for the winner – as well as local bragging rights.

And Wilkes says this will be a great opportunity to see what the new members of the Town squad have got to offer.

“Pre-season has been tough up until now and we have got some good quality sessions in,” said Wilkes.

“I think everyone is just raring to go for the start of the season.

“This is a friendly but games between Workington and Whitehaven are never friendly, we know that.

“It will give us an opportunity to see what some of the new guys have got and how we are gelling together.

“That’s what friendlies are all about, it is about the structure and game plan and putting the stuff Leon [Pryce, coach] has put into place in training into practice.”

The cup is currently in the hands of Whitehaven after they claimed a 30-12 victory in the fixture last year at the Recreation Ground.

The game drew a four-figure crowd with Town starting the stronger but, after playing the majority of the game with 12-men, they suffered in the later stages.

But Workington are keen to bring the cup back to Derwent Park on Sunday and playmaker Jamie Doran is hoping for a bumper crowd to boost the ranks.

“This is always a good game,” said Doran. “And hopefully, we will get a few numbers down.

"This is the biggest derby in Cumbria so there should be quite a few down for both sides.

“I think both squads are looking good. Obviously, Whitehaven have a few local lads in and we have some of our experienced boys back training.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be a brilliant day for the fans.”

It will be an interesting encounter, with some players swapping between the west Cumbrian clubs in the close-season.

The trophy is played annually between the two sides in memory of the late, great Great Britain winger Ike Southward.

Haven boss Gary Charlton has also indicated his side will not be holding back as he rates the encounter highly.

“We all love a derby game. It brings the best out of the players and brings the best out of both teams as well,” said coach Charlton.

“We will be going out there to try and win this game. We certainly won’t be holding back, we will be trying really hard.”